Chris Ilitch says progress is being made on new arena, future home of the Detroit Red Wings

Detroit Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard (35) covers the puck against the Phoenix Coyotes in the second period of an NHL hockey game in Detroit, Monday, April 22, 2013. Detroit won 4-0. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) (The Associated Press)

DETROIT – Chris Ilitch says progress is being made on plans to build a new arena for the Detroit Red Wings.

The president and CEO of Ilitch Holdings declined to make any predictions about the next steps. The son of Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch spoke to The Associated Press after Thursday's Detroit Economic Club meeting.

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Michigan lawmakers approved a measure allowing tax dollars collected by Detroit's Downtown Development Authority to be used for a $650 million multi-use development that will include a facility for the Red Wings. Supporters of the bill claimed it will create upward of 8,300 new construction jobs and pump $1 billion into Michigan's economy.

Joe Louis Arena, which is among the oldest NHL facilities, opened in 1979.